Patti Austin shines equally as a solo artist or singing with other vocal greats, as she has done so memorably with Michael Jackson on “It’s The Falling in Love,” George Benson on “Moody’s Mood For Love” and James Ingram on “Baby, Come To Me.”

Her other credits range from Cat Stevens and Paul Simon to Quincy Jones and Steely Dan. Her stylistic versatility is matched by her deft vocal skills. It’s a winning combination that has helped her sustain her career for more than four decades.

Austin will be in the spotlight Friday when she opens the San Diego Symphony’s 2018-19 “City Lights” concert series. Her orchestra-free performance will feature Austin and her band flexing their musical chops in a program of pop, jazz, soul and more.